Federal Member for Hume Angus Taylor has welcomed over $1 million in funding for Wingecarribee Shire Council as part of the Federal Government’s $1.8 billion boost for local government road and community projects. 

The $1,184,041 investment for Wingecarribee will support local jobs and businesses and provide a boost to the local economy.

Mr Taylor said the package included the establishment of a new $500 million Local Road and Community Infrastructure Program and the bringing forward of $1.3 billion of the 2020-21 Financial Assistance Grant payment.

The new Program is based on the successful Roads to Recovery program and will enable local councils to deliver priority projects with a focus on upgrades and maintenance to local roads and community infrastructure.

Mr Taylor said accelerating local infrastructure projects was important for supporting jobs and the local economy in the Southern Highlands at this time.

“Every single job we support makes a huge difference in our local community, now and as we navigate out of the coronavirus pandemic,” Mr Taylor said.

“I will be working closely with Wingecarribee Shire Council to make sure projects get under way to support jobs and businesses as soon as possible.” 

Mayor of Wingecarribee Shire Council, Duncan Gair has welcomed the additional funding announcement.

“This is a great stimulus initiative for local government that the Federal Government has announced.   These funds will be of benefit to the residents of Wingecarribee Shire. The $1 million funding will be allocated to infrastructure projects yet to be determined by Council, noting there are many competing projects,” Mayor Gair said.

“Thank you again to Angus Taylor MP and the Federal Government for their ongoing support and continued commitment.” 

Local road projects to be delivered under the Program include but are not limited to constructing or improving bridges and tunnels, street lighting, and heavy vehicle facilities such as rest areas.

A broad range of community infrastructure projects will be eligible including new or upgraded bicycle and walking paths, community facilities, and picnic shelters and barbeque facilities at parks.

Guidelines for the Program will be provided directly to local governments by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications.

Allocations under the Financial Assistance Grant and Local Road and Community Infrastructure programs can be found at https://investment.infrastructure.gov.au/lrci.